Satnav for boats too ,,, then MAYDAY

Another thing I am doing that I did not do much before. Sailing

I had sailed with family a couple of times but now I am sailing with friends on a regular basis. When I say sailing I mean I do as I am told. I have no pretentions to be captain or be confused with anyone who understands. I just pull on the right coloured rope or put the fenders in the locker when told. As a reward I get to sit on a lovely yacht and see some of the best landscape from the waters of the river Clyde in sun, wind and rain.

Today we left Largs. The Optimists dinghy competition was in progress. The sea was boiling full of little yachts filled with excited child sailors. Sadly they were too far away to photograph. A beautiful morning of sun and wind. Great sailing conditions.

As we came round the south coast of Great Cumbrae the sea was full of cormorants. For every one we saw there were probably 3 under water. Never seen that amount before. Then I noiced the gannets overhead circling and preparing to dive. 3 or 4 of them came close and low over White Rose. We were probably cruising through a large shoal of fish and getting in the birds way. A porpoise crossed close to the back of the boat in lazy movements. It never took it's head out of the water. Probably having a nice fish lunch.

The seas were strong in a blustery wind. We pulled into the sheltered Kilchattan Bay off Bute for a quiet lunch. Thundery clouds passed overhead and we set off in light rain dressed in rain gear.

A moment of drama and excitement when we approached the north end of Great Cumbrae and sighted largs. The radio had been chattering away in the background when we heard the startling words MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY. The motor vessel Lucky Lady had suffered engine failure and was drifting off the coast of Great Cumbrae. We were all eyes on the sea looking for this boat in danger. Much confusion and a few radio messages from other boats in the area. White Rose was amongst concerned sailors looking out. The Largs lifeboat was launched in our sight and we still looked out for this drifting motor vessel. Nothing to be seen. The Belfast Coastguard had located the vessel and he was about 10 miles north of us.

Excitment over did what was natural. We tied up and went for a cup of tea at the sportscotland National Centre Cumbrae. A twenty minute sail back to Largs in a strong wind finished a great day.

Such a lot of fun.